ROSSENDALE are hoping to extend the appointment of Lancashire head coach Mark Nelson well into the new campaign.

Rossendale have persuaded Nelson, Fylde’s former director of rugby and the ex-Sales Sharks backs coach to work alongside Rossendale’s new head man Danny Collins as Dale’s consultant coach.

It is certainly a statement of intent from the ambitious National Three North side, who will see Nelson as a key appointment in helping develop the playing structure at Marl Pits.

Chairman Nicholas Ingham said: “It is fantastic that Mark is part of the club, and initially we have talked to him about staying here until the end of September, but hopefully it can be much longer than that.

“Mark is Lancashire’s coach and he has done tremendous work there, with a record of great success, so to have a coach of his calibre working with the management team is a huge plus for any club.

“Obviously there could be interest in Mark from Championship clubs, but we’d love to think we can keep him at Marl Pits for longer than the first few weeks of the season.”

Nelson, who joins the club after seven seasons at National One outfit Fylde, said the club were hoping to add to an already promising squad in the coming weeks.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting involved at Rossendale, it is a club of great potential and a superb community base.

“When they approached me I didn’t have to think twice and with Anthony Bingham playing for Lancashire last season I knew they had some excellent players there.

“Also, Danny Collins has got huge potential as a coach, and part of my role is to mentor him.”

Nelson added: “Rossendale have been there or there about’s for a number of seasons but the club now want to move forward and make a real challenge at the top end of National Three North.

“We want to keep the hub of last season’s side together but in addition we are already talking to some exciting prospects and will be able to announce several new signings, to improve our strength to depth.”

Rossendale start their season away to Wirral on September 5 and get their first taste of home action against Birkenhead Park a week later.

There was certainly an encouraging start in their two warm-up fixtures, with Rossendale impressing in a friendly against Otley and then in their final outing last weekend, a 12-12 draw against Kirkby Lonsdale.

“Otley are a division higher, but a narrow 28-34 defeat was a highly encouraging performance, particularly as we had several first teamers missing,” said the chairman.

“We’ve certainly a good foundation to build on now, and we are hopeful that we can have a strong campaign.”